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Integrating Music into a Graduate Level Appalachian Studies Course for Social Work Students

Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary

This session will present ways that Appalachian music can be used in an Appalachian Studies class to help social work students better understand the dynamics of Appalachian culture, so that they can be more culturally competent in serving their clients. The authors will discuss various ways that Appalachian music can be integrated into an Appalachian Studies course for social workers. Past and present music by Appalachian artists contain a rich diversity of themes that demonstrate Appalachian cultural values and traditions. These songs never fail to tell a story about the challenges, successes, and hopes of people of Appalachian cultural heritage, both those living within the region and outside the region. The musical component of this Appalachian Studies class helps students to understand and appreciate the significance and ongoing legacy of music within Appalachian culture. This paper will provide an analysis of select songs which exhibit the creativity and spirit of the mountain people. Samples of this music will be played in the session to elucidate specific associations with Appalachian culture. Better understanding the impact of music, both secular and religious, helps students to be more culturally competent in connecting with the Appalachian clients they serve in the human services.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1

Dr. Lonnie R. Helton is a Professor Emeritus in the School of Social Work at Cleveland State University where he has taught for 23 years. His teaching areas are Masters level social work practice, human behavior, and counseling. Prior to academia, he worked for 18 years as a practitioner in the fields of Mental Health, Medical Social Work, and Developmental Disabilities. He has authored several social work practice textbooks and has written many refereed articles on Appalachian culture.

At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2

Dr. Shirley M. Keller is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at Youngstown State University. She has published in refereed journals and has a special interest in the Strengths Perspective and the empowerment of women in social work practice. She has co-authored articles on Resiliency of Women of Appalachian Cultural Heritage with L. R. Helton in The Journal of Social Service Research. She and L. R. Helton have co-presented at several Appalachian Studies Association and NASW conferences.

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Mar 27th, 11:30 AMMar 27th, 12:45 PM

Integrating Music into a Graduate Level Appalachian Studies Course for Social Work Students

This session will present ways that Appalachian music can be used in an Appalachian Studies class to help social work students better understand the dynamics of Appalachian culture, so that they can be more culturally competent in serving their clients. The authors will discuss various ways that Appalachian music can be integrated into an Appalachian Studies course for social workers. Past and present music by Appalachian artists contain a rich diversity of themes that demonstrate Appalachian cultural values and traditions. These songs never fail to tell a story about the challenges, successes, and hopes of people of Appalachian cultural heritage, both those living within the region and outside the region. The musical component of this Appalachian Studies class helps students to understand and appreciate the significance and ongoing legacy of music within Appalachian culture. This paper will provide an analysis of select songs which exhibit the creativity and spirit of the mountain people. Samples of this music will be played in the session to elucidate specific associations with Appalachian culture. Better understanding the impact of music, both secular and religious, helps students to be more culturally competent in connecting with the Appalachian clients they serve in the human services.